Grupo Sousa Attempts to Cut Costs Amid Increase in Container Shipment
The operator at Porto do Caniçal, Grupo Sousa, is suggesting changes to regulations due to increasing cargo volumes. Currently, container ships longer than 130 meters are not allowed to dock, which limits efficiency and economies of scale. The Sousa group believes larger ships could dock without structural changes, reducing shipping costs. In recent weeks, the region has seen an increase of up to 1,600 containers per week, compared to the usual 1,200.
A Near-Monopoly on Shipping
Grupo Sousa plays a huge role in Madeira’s shipping industry, controlling most transport routes between mainland Portugal, Madeira, and other regions like the Azores and Cape Verde. They own GS Lines, the biggest Portuguese shipping company, and operate the Porto Santo Line ferry service between Madeira and Porto Santo.
Grupo Sousa TCharge For No-Shows On Lobo Marinho Ferry
Starting in February, Grupo Sousa will also introduce a €5 fee for changing ferry trips between Madeira and Porto Santo (Lobo Marinho). This fee is intended to reduce no-shows, which currently impact 60-70 passengers per trip. The ferry is projected to carry 408,000 passengers this year - a slight decrease from the previous year.
Source: RTP Madeira
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